At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a busy school office and support the leadership team with administrative tasks.
- Company: Join a friendly federation dedicated to nurturing a supportive school environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy training opportunities, a collaborative team, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a growing Federation that values kindness, professionalism, and cultural diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pupils and the school community.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy office, preferably in a school setting, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Start date July 2026, Hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.00pm Friday – Term time plus insets, plus 1 additional week.
Our friendly federation is seeking an enthusiastic, organised and self‑motivated Office Manager to join our hardworking and supportive team at Southcote Primary School. We are looking for a dedicated professional who takes pride in delivering high‑quality administrative support and ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day running of a busy school office. This is a varied and rewarding role working closely with the Executive Headteacher, Head of Operations and wider leadership team. The successful candidate will play a key part in supporting pupils, staff, parents and the wider school community – often being the calm, reassuring presence at the heart of the school.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate exceptional organisation – able to manage multiple priorities and maintain a well‑structured, efficient office environment.
- Communicate with warmth and clarity – building positive relationships with staff, parents, pupils and external agencies.
- Bring emotional intelligence – remaining calm during busy school mornings and responding sensitively to upset children or concerned parents.
- Have experience in a busy office, ideally within a school setting.
- Use digital systems confidently – including experience with MIS such as SIMS, or willingness to undertake training.
- Support and lead office staff effectively, modelling professionalism and teamwork.
- Understand safeguarding responsibilities – including the updated KCSIE 2026 requirements around AI‑safeguarding, data protection and ensuring all staff are fully prepared to implement Part One of the guidance.
- Uphold confidentiality and GDPR at all times.
- Maintain the school’s digital presence – supporting website updates and contributing to positive, compliant social media communication.
Benefits:
- A welcoming, supportive and collaborative team.
- Friendly, enthusiastic pupils who make every day meaningful.
- Opportunities for training and development, including safeguarding and digital‑skills training.
- A varied and rewarding role within our growing Federation.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support wellbeing.
- A workplace where kindness, professionalism and humour are valued.
Closing date: Sunday 21st June 2026. Interview date: TBC. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if suitable candidates are found. This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check, appropriate references and health clearance. The Kennet Federation aspires to be an actively anti‑racist organisation and welcomes employees who contribute to our efforts to celebrate cultural diversity and advance inclusion and equity. Applicants from protected characteristics are encouraged to apply.
Office Manager - Southcote Primary School in Reading employer: Southcote Primary School
Southcote Primary School offers a nurturing and collaborative work environment where the Office Manager plays a vital role in supporting the school community. With a focus on professional development, emotional intelligence, and effective communication, employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to the well-being of pupils and staff alike. The school values kindness, professionalism, and humour, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager - Southcote Primary School in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Southcote Primary School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to office management in a school setting. Think about how you’d handle busy mornings or sensitive situations with parents and pupils – they’ll want to see your emotional intelligence in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your digital skills! Familiarise yourself with MIS systems like SIMS, or be ready to discuss how you’d quickly learn new tech. Being tech-savvy is a big plus in today’s school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our supportive team at Southcote Primary School.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager - Southcote Primary School in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:As an Office Manager, organisation is key! Make sure your application highlights your ability to juggle multiple tasks and maintain a structured environment. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you keep things running smoothly.
Communicate with Warmth:We love a friendly vibe! When writing your application, let your personality shine through. Use clear and warm language to show that you can build positive relationships with staff, parents, and pupils. This will help us see you as a great fit for our school community.
Highlight Your Experience:If you've worked in a busy office before, especially in a school setting, make sure to mention it! Share specific examples of your responsibilities and how they relate to the role. If you're familiar with digital systems like SIMS, don’t forget to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Southcote Primary School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southcote Primary School
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
As an Office Manager, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed priorities in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your organisational skills made a difference.
✨Communicate with Warmth
This role requires building positive relationships with staff, parents, and pupils. Practice your communication style before the interview. Consider how you can convey warmth and clarity in your responses, perhaps by sharing anecdotes that highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Being calm and reassuring is key in a school environment. Reflect on past experiences where you've handled stressful situations or supported someone in distress. Be ready to discuss these moments and how they shaped your approach to emotional intelligence.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Systems
Since the role involves using digital systems like MIS, brush up on your tech skills. If you have experience with similar systems, be prepared to discuss it. If not, show your willingness to learn and adapt, which is just as important!
